Filipinos Riveted By Their Own News Of High-level Trysts

January 30, 1998|By Uli Schmetzer, Tribune Staff Writer.

MANILA — Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's love life became headlines this week, giving Filipinos their own domestic version of what allegedly went on in the White House, the seat of power of their old colonial masters.

Enrile is not the president, but his alleged tryst with a top aide prompted his wife of 40 years to leave him this week with the public quip that she no longer could tolerate his chasing after other women, including domestic helpers, cooks and assistants.

In normal times, the marital problems or womanizing of a senator would hardly cause a ripple here. Infidelity and mistresses are part of daily life.

The front-runner in the presidential race is Josef Estrada, the vice president who has publicly confessed to many extramarital affairs.

Nevertheless, Estrada, a former film star, has remained by far the most popular candidate to succeed President Fidel Ramos. The election is May 28.

Estrada's only serious challenger, Speaker of the House Jose de Venecia, also has a much-rumored record as a "ladies' man" but told his fellow candidates this week, "We must all lead good and clean lives."

Ramos seemed puzzled by the fuss in Washington. "It could never happen in this country," he said, noting that, under Philippine law, sitting presidents are immune from legal actions over the kind of sexual allegations confronting President Clinton.

Ramos added that the U.S. must be seen "as a world leader in terms of security issues. As a world leader, therefore, the presidency--as an institution of the United States--must be given that respect and prestige."

Over the years, many Filipinos have imitated the cultural trends and initiatives of the U.S. Whatever happens in America is quickly adopted or copied in the Philippines, from newscasts to music to dress modes--and even scandals.

It was no surprise, therefore, when the media zoomed in on the Enrile affair this week.

The senator, in his early 70s and rumored to be a multimillionaire, has been a major player in the country's politics for three decades. He was defense minister under Ferdinand Marcos but helped bring down the dictator.

His wife, Cristina, a socialite, walked out on him this month after charging adultery. The "other woman" is reported to be Gigi Gonzales-Reyes, chief of staff of his Senate office and about 30 years his junior.